Padraig Harrington believes that Rory McIlroy will eventually change his stance on playing in the Champions Tour, despite McIlroy’s recent insistence that he has no interest in competing on the senior circuit.
Ahead of his Players Championship victory, McIlroy made it clear that he intends to retire from professional golf before reaching the Champions Tour age requirement of 50. He emphasized his desire to “walk away with a little bit left in the tank” and dismissed the idea of continuing to compete in senior events.
“Absolutely not. I will not play Champions Tour golf,” McIlroy stated. “Look, I’ve said a lot of absolutes in my time that I’ve walked back, but I do not envision playing Champions Tour golf. Something has gone terribly wrong if I have to compete at golf at 50.”
Harrington, however, believes McIlroy will eventually reconsider, highlighting the appeal of the Champions Tour for aging golfers. As someone who has won nine times on the senior circuit, Harrington noted how the tour offers an opportunity to “relive your past” and keep competing in a more relaxed, yet still competitive, environment.
“The fact of the matter is, somebody like me, I’ve never been happier than out here playing on the Champions Tour,” Harrington said. “Literally every week I’m living a life that people would save the whole year to have this one week. For most people my age, to go on a one-week golf trip is like the biggest thing they could do in a year, and I get to do it 30 times a year.”
Harrington also pointed out that many legendary golfers, including Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer, eventually found joy in competing on the senior circuit. He suggested that McIlroy may be tempted by the opportunity to experience the thrill of competition again in a lower-pressure setting.
“Rory will find that it’s likely to change,” Harrington continued. “There’s fun to be had out here. You get to hit great shots under pressure, and in some ways, you’re reliving the wins you’ve had and validating them. It just comes around so quick. Things will change, and while not everyone changes their mind, it’s likely he will and come out to have a bit of fun.”
Harrington believes that McIlroy’s current mindset may be a result of having played golf at a high level since his early teenage years. However, as retirement approaches, he thinks McIlroy could find the idea of the Champions Tour more appealing, offering him both enjoyment and a chance to celebrate his legacy in the sport.